The first hospice in the State offering care to elderly patients with mental handicaps was officially opened in Dublin yesterday. The 12-bed unit, Bethel House in Clonsilla, cost more than £750,000 and was financed by voluntary fund-raising. It is run by the Daughters of Charity and the Department of Health will cover operating costs.
Bethel House is attached to St Joseph's residential care centre, which houses 200 people with intellectual disabilities.